GOP's budget taxes Nevadans indirectly
I hope Gov. Brian Sandoval and our Republican legislators realize that though they were elected on a "no new taxes" platform, there's a lot of buyer's remorse now that the public sees how this will actually play out. Their budget taxes us indirectly in many ways, borrows money that must be repaid, and doesn't address our tax structure problems at all.
It taxes county taxpayers with new responsibilities, while taking revenue. It taxes students with higher tuition for fewer classes. It taxes us with cuts to mental health and social services that contribute to public safety problems and reduced quality of life. It taxes us when laid-off employees go on unemployment. It taxes remaining employees with pay cuts and higher costs.
Everyone agrees the budget requires cuts, but it's too destructive to not increase revenues, too. It's always more cost-effective to invest in prevention and maintenance rather than trying to undo damage from neglect.
I don't know if they feel painted into a corner by their tax pledges or what, but they need to realize that while some of their base may still be with them in the name of ideology, the rest of us aren't, and we want to see some leadership now.
And if Republicans are so budget conscious, why did Sandoval appoint Dean Heller, the only person who would spark an expensive special election, and why did Heller vote against ending tax subsidies to oil companies who are making record profits?
Vicki Watson
Gardnerville
Let's restore 'hope'
for Nevada's future
I can talk all day and night about the things the governor is doing wrong, and it will be to no avail when it comes to helping Nevadans.
I propose that all of us work together in getting Nevada back in the black - so we will not lose teachers, will have health care, etc.
I believe if the governor comes out with a hope bond in which even the low-income Nevadans can take part in, we will overcome our state's crisis.
This hope bond would be as small as $5 increments. It will mature in 10 years by doubling it's value.
In the meantime, our state can use these funds to not lay off our precious teachers. If we do not educate our youth, our state of Nevada will really be a place of dust and destitute.
The hope bond is a catchy name for a state where hope was on the minds of all of the first settlers who took on all odds to come across this nation and make a fresh start for their families. Isn't that what we are all trying to do in our day's economy?
(Through) hope and working together, we can all make a better state for the future of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren future.
Barbara R. Scott
Reno
Texting while driving should be outlawed
The Legislature should pass the bills that prohibit texting while driving. Texting while driving is a life-threatening activity, but adults and young people continue to do it.
If a law was passed banning this activity, most people would put away their phones when driving because breaking the law comes with consequences.
The Virginia Tech Driving Institute completed a study that discovered the people who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an accident. If the proposed bills are adopted into law, the number of car accidents and potential deaths will decrease because drivers will pay more attention to the road.
So keep your hands at nine and three instead of texting OMG.
Emily Collins
Carson City
